Articles

American Whitewater is seeking motivated volunteers with access to the libraries at Washington and Lee University and Virginia Tech. These volunteers are needed to research and organize historical and legal information regarding navigability, water rights, and land ownership in the state of Virginia. This information will be utilized by American Whitewater staff and volunteers in our work on a variety of stream access projects in Virginia. We intend to have a lawyer oversee this coordinated research effort. While a legal

Idaho is proposing a $13 registration fee for non-motorized boats greater than 7 feet in length. Under this registration fee proposal all kayaks and rafts on Idaho waters would be required to have a registration sticker fixed to the bow of each boat greater than 7 feet in length. Stickers would not be transferable between boats. Out of state boaters would be required to comply as well.   The proposal appears to have been initiated in KootenaiCounty in the northern

The Sequoia National Forest filed the revised 4(e) conditions for the Kern River No. 3 Hydropower Project on the Kern River, California.  The section 4(e) conditions have been revised from those filed in 1996 by the Sequoia National Forest to reflect the changes requested in the Settlement Agreement reached between Southern California Edison (SCE), American Whitewater, Friends of the River and other parties in December, 2002.  Issuance of the Forest Service’s revised conditions marks the end of a long legal

The Swan Sites Homeowners group along the Swan River has petitioned the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to amend the boating regulations for a reach of the Swan River from the outlet of Swan Lake to the confluence with Bear Creek.  This four mile stretch contains Class II whitewater popular for kayak instruction, canoeists, tubers, fishermen and swimmers. Montana FWP is accepting public comments on this proposal through January 30, 2004.  Comments can be submitted electronically or via

The Sequoia National Forest filed the revised 4(e) conditions for the Kern River No. 3 Hydropower Project on the Kern River, California.  The section 4(e) conditions have been revised from those filed in 1996 by the Sequoia National Forest to reflect the changes requested in the Settlement Agreement reached between Southern California Edison (SCE), American Whitewater, Friends of the River and other parties in December, 2002.  Issuance of the Forest Service’s revised conditions marks the end of a long legal

The Washington Department of Ecology has initiated a water quality assessment for the state including updates to the “Polluted Waters List” otherwise known under the Federal Clean Water Act as the 303(d) list.  Washington DOE is soliciting public comments between now and March 15th, 2004.  In addition the Department will host a series of public meetings across the state to gather input.  For more information on how to provide information on polluted waters or attend a public meeting visit the

There will be a one day conference on January 31st in eastern Pennsylvania that will address dam removal and rehabilitation in the state and region. It is likely that this very affordable conference would be helpful to paddlers interested in working on dam removal projects in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Registration for the conference is due by January 23rd. Please refer to the conference announcement below for additional information.   Dams: Rehabilitation or Removal ? This conference, presented by the Pennsylvania

There will be a one day conference on January 31st in eastern Pennsylvania that will address dam removal and rehabilitation in the state and region. It is likely that this very affordable conference would be helpful to paddlers interested in working on dam removal projects in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Registration for the conference is due by January 23rd. Please refer to the conference announcement below for additional information.   Dams: Rehabilitation or Removal ? This conference, presented by the Pennsylvania

American Whitewater is in search of artists to show their work at the 50th Anniversary Gala Event Paddlers Art Gallery.  We are looking for gifted individuals from a variety of art forms who have been influenced by nature to create works that visually inspire whitewater enthusiasts. The 50th Anniversary Gala Event in Vail this June is will have a “Paddlers Art Gallery” similar to the successful program seen at the 2003 Gauley River Festival.  Artist who participated in the Gauley

On February 7, 2004, the Lehigh Valley Canoe Club in conjunction with the National Paddling Film Festival is hosting a River Film Festival at Saucon Valley High School Auditorium, Hellertown, Pa.Sponsor tables will be available in the lobby of the auditorium for companies or non-profit organizations that would like to promote themselves directly to paddlers, our friends, and the public.  We expect to fill the 800+ seat auditorium. Merchandise will be silent auctioned or given away as door prizes and all proceeds

Project Background In May 1997, Niagara of Wisconsin Paper Corporation received a new license (Project No. 2536-009) for the continued operation of the 9.1-megawatt (MW) Little Quinnesec Falls Project on the Menominee River. Operation of this project affects whitewater recreation directly downstream of the dam on the Pier’s Gorge section of the Menominee River which is a dependable class III/IV playboating run through much of the year. It has been the site of the Hoofer Outing Club’s Whitewater Rodeo. The

SENATORS MURRAY AND CANTWELL DELIVER FOR WASHINGTON ON WILDERNESS As legislative activities drew to a close for 2003, the 106,000 acre Wild Sky Wilderness legislation was approved unanimously by the U.S. Senate. Senators Murray and Cantwell worked hard to make sure that the full Senate considered the Wild Sky Wilderness bill before adjourning for the holiday recess. Washington Wilderness Coalition praised the two Senators for their effective leadership and tenacious efforts to ensure that this important conservation measure for Washington becomes

December 18, 2003 Contacts:       Steve Wald, CHRC   510-644-2900 ext. 105,  Chuck Bonham, Trout Unlimited   510-528-4164 John Gangemi, American Whitewater   406-837-3155CPUC Approves PG&E Bankruptcy Settlement Protects 140,000 Acres of Watershed Land BERKELEY, CA -The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved a plan today that allows Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to exit bankruptcy.  The plan contains an unprecedented commitment to protect 140,000 acres of the utility’s watershed lands, primarily located in California’s Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountains.  This historic measure ensures

Over the past few months we have asked paddlers to write to the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to protest Bush Administration attempts to weaken the Clean Water Act. We are happy to announce that our letters hit their mark, and the proposed rule change that would have weakened the Clean Water Act will not be carried forward by the EPA. In short, WE WON. According to a statement from the EPA: “After soliciting public comment to determine

Thank you for your support through out the year! American Whitewater has seen a sharp increase in the number of products order in the last few weeks.  For those of you doing last minute shopping, in order to ensure delivery by Christmas, we need to you place your order by Friday, the 19th, and request 2 day delivery in the comment area.

On Sunday December 7, 2003 the Georgia Canoeing Association (GCA) Board of Directors voted unanimously and pledged their support, including financial support, should American Whitewater (AW) be forced to appeal a USFS decision that maintains the closure of the Chattooga Headwaters in the new Sumter Forest Management Plan. The final decision on the new forest plan is expected sometime in January 2004. The release of the new Forest Plan and the final environmental impact statement culminates a nearly 8 year

  The owner of a currently-closed chemicals plant designed to produce sulfuric acid and other sulfur based chemicals has applied for a permit to release 60-100 tons of chemical by-products in to the environment per year. This step has lead many local residents, paddlers, and regional environmental organizations to believe that the plant will soon be reopened. The Tennessee Department of the Environment and Conservation (TDEC) are hosting a hearing on December 18th in Ducktown, Tennessee to hear public comments